Allan Edward Brennecke, age 95, of Saint Louis, Missouri passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020. Allan was born January 18, 1925 in Irondale, Missouri to Alma Minnie Brennecke (nee Hughes) and John Edward Brennecke.
Allan is survived by his loving wife of forty-two years, Dorothy "Dot" (nee Mueller). His dear children Catharine Louise (Gary) Gutjahr, Robert Allan (Susan) Brennecke, and beloved grandchildren Jeffrey Allan (Kari) Gutjahr, Jami Elizabeth (David) Jackson and Mary Shelby (Jason) Miller also survive him. Allan was blessed with seven great grandchildren, Joseph Chandler Jackson, Andrew Carter Jackson, Chloe Hazel Jane Gutjahr, Madeline Elizabeth Gutjahr, Dylan Jeffrey Gutjahr, Dashel Alan Miller and Abigail Lizzette Miller.
Allan was preceded in death by his beloved wife of twenty-seven years, Betty L Brennecke (nee Smith) and his parents
After moving to Saint Louis, Allan attended Mason Elementary School and also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 249. He graduated from Southwest High School in January 1943. In May 1943, he entered military service, through the Army Air Corp Air Cadet program and was trained as a Navigator. Entering World War II, he flew combat in the European theatre as a Navigator with a B-24 crew. He was with the 512th Squadron, 376th Bomb Group, 47th Wing of 15th Air Force. During the War, he flew 33 sorties worth 50 missions and earned the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II Allan entered active reserves, flying with 419th Troop Carrier Wing, 340th Squadron at Scott Field, Illinois from 1950 to 1952. He resigned his commission in May 1953.
While being in the active reserves he entered Washington University, in St. Louis, studying chemical engineering and graduated in 1949. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. After graduation, Allan worked with several companies. In 1960, he joined Lane Machinery Co. of St. Louis and shortly afterwards Rimbach and Associates of St. Louis. Both businesses were manufacturing representatives, serving the Water & Wastewater Industries in Eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois & Northwest Kentucky. He specialized in the application of instruments and automation to the Water & Wastewater Treatment processes. Allan served as President of Rimbach & Associates for 10 years prior to retiring in 1987. During the 90’s he worked part-time with Brooks & Associates, again serving the Water & Wastewater field.
From his days as an Air Cadet, Allan had a passion for flying and was able to pursue private flying during his business career, flying Cessna 172’s. Later in 2000, he was given a Funk airplane from cousin Patricia Emmerich. In 2013, the Funk Aircraft N1611N was placed in the Historic Aircraft Restoration museum at Creve Coeur Airport St. Louis, MO.
Allan was a faithful member of Grace United Church of Christ in St. Louis. He also belonged to many organizations that were involved with his children, his profession, his love of flying, his veteran service, and his community service.
In all the many things Allan saw and did, the greatest gift he received was his family. The best times he had were with his family. Allan said, “I am eternally grateful and feel blessed for the wonderful loving wives and family the Lord gave to me while on this earth.”
As a final act of love for his family and his community, Allan donated his body for medical study to his beloved Washington University. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. George Despotis who was Allan’s friend and advisor through his health concerns.
A memorial visitation for Allan is scheduled from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Rd, Saint Louis, Missouri 63125. A private memorial service with military honors by VFW Post 2593 in Arnold is scheduled at Hoffmeister South County Chapel.
For those unable to attend the memorial service, information for a Zoom meeting to the service will be forthcoming.
Honoring the memory of Allan contributions are encouraged to Grace United Church of Christ, Wings of Hope, Saint Jude Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HoffmeisterSouthCounty.com for the Brennecke family
